Cruise Awards — Celebrating International Cruise Line & Ship Excellence
Recognising the world's finest ocean liners, luxury river cruises, expedition vessels, and cruise operators delivering unforgettable maritime travel experiences.
The International Cruise Award That Defines Maritime Excellence
The International Travel Awards Cruise Awards programme is the most comprehensive international cruise award platform recognising excellence across the global maritime tourism industry. From flagship ocean liners carrying thousands of guests across the Atlantic to intimate expedition vessels navigating Arctic ice or Amazonian tributaries, our Cruise Awards celebrate the operators, ships, and teams that have raised the bar for what cruise travel can be.
The cruise industry is one of travel's most dynamic sectors, with global passenger numbers exceeding 31 million annually and new vessel launches redefining what is possible at sea. The International Travel Awards Cruise Awards 2026 exist to acknowledge the lines and operators leading this transformation — delivering not merely a holiday at sea, but transformative journeys that change how guests understand the world and their place within it.
Cruise Awards Categories — Recognising Every Dimension of Maritime Excellence
Our Cruise Awards categories cover the full spectrum of the international cruise industry, from mega-ship ocean liners to single-vessel expedition operators.
.png)
Best International Cruise Line
Recognising the ocean cruise operator delivering the broadest global itinerary portfolio, outstanding onboard experience, and the highest independent guest satisfaction ratings across international voyages.
Nominate Now.png)
Best Luxury Cruise Line
Celebrating the cruise line that has mastered ultra-premium maritime hospitality — exceptional suite product, Michelin-level cuisine, butler service, and exclusive port experiences that set the gold standard for luxury at sea.
Nominate Now.png)
Best River Cruise
Honouring the river cruise operator delivering the most authentic, culturally immersive, and scenically breathtaking inland waterway voyages — from the Danube and Rhine to the Mekong, Nile, Amazon, and Douro.
Nominate Now.png)
Best Expedition Cruise
Recognising the expedition cruise specialist accessing destinations beyond the reach of conventional shipping — the polar regions, the Galápagos, remote Pacific archipelagos, and sub-Antarctic islands — with world-class naturalist teams and responsible access protocols.
Nominate Now.png)
Best Cruise Ship Design
Celebrating the vessel whose architectural and interior design innovation has redefined the onboard environment — from revolutionary cabin configurations and open-deck ocean terraces to purpose-built science centres, observation pods, and zero-gravity pools.
Nominate Now.png)
Best Cruise Customer Experience
Awarded to the cruise operator whose end-to-end guest journey — from booking and pre-departure communication through embarkation, voyage, and post-cruise follow-up — consistently delivers the highest satisfaction scores and loyalty rates in the industry.
Nominate NowWhy the International Cruise Award Matters for Your Brand
Official Trophy & Award Certification
Winners receive a custom-engraved International Travel Awards trophy and an official certificate of recognition, displayed proudly aboard vessels and in corporate offices as tangible proof of industry-validated excellence.
Digital Winner's Seal
An authoritative "International Travel Awards Winner 2026" digital seal for use on your website, booking platforms, brochures, and social media — trusted by travellers and travel agents as a mark of genuine cruise excellence.
Global Media Coverage
Winners are featured in International Travel Awards press releases distributed to travel trade media, cruise industry publications, luxury lifestyle outlets, and national tourism press in over 60 countries.
Gala Ceremony Invitation
Finalists and winners are invited to the International Travel Awards Gala Ceremony at the Westin Marina Hotel, Dubai on 14 November 2026 — an unmissable networking event for global travel industry leaders.
Industry Recognition & Trade Credibility
Cruise award recognition strengthens relationships with travel agents, tour operators, port authorities, and destination tourism boards who actively seek award-winning cruise partnerships for their clients.
International Marketplace Presence
Your profile is featured on the International Travel Awards website, attracting direct enquiries from travel professionals and affluent independent travellers in all major source markets worldwide.
The Cruise Awards Nomination & Judging Process
Submit Your Nomination
Complete the International Travel Awards nomination form, providing detailed information about your cruise line, vessel, or specific cruise product. Include supporting evidence of guest satisfaction scores, sustainability certifications, and industry accolades.
Expert Evaluation
Our panel of 200+ independent judges — comprising cruise industry veterans, travel journalists, sustainability experts, and experienced cruisers from across the globe — evaluates each nomination against the published Cruise Awards criteria.
Shortlist Announcement
Category shortlists are announced globally across trade media and digital channels, generating significant visibility for all shortlisted cruise operators and vessels before the winner is revealed at the Gala Ceremony.
Gala Ceremony, Dubai
Winners are announced at the International Travel Awards Gala Ceremony on 14 November 2026 at the Westin Marina Hotel, Dubai — celebrated in front of over 500 travel industry professionals from around the world.
Cruise Awards — Your Questions Answered
Nominate Your Cruise Line for the International Travel Awards 2026
Join the most respected cruise industry recognition programme in the world. Submit your nomination today and stand alongside the finest cruise operators, vessels, and maritime travel experiences globally.